Review: Samsung Alias 2

The Alias 2 breaks new ground with the transforming keypad. It's a feature that has that "neat-o" effect, and it's fun to watch the screen change layouts whenever you open the phone. The rest of the hardware is solid, and comfortable to use.

The biggest disappointment is that the Alias 2 doesn't break any new ground. Messaging phones such as this are dying for integrated features with the social networking services that we are using more and more. I find that to be a major failing of this phone.

The other disappointing aspect is that the Alias 2 uses the same Verizon Wireless user interface that's been around forever. It's not even dressed up to look nice.

If voice calls are most important to you, I'd look elsewhere. The Alias 2 performed below average with respect to call quality.

However, if you don't really care about the UI or call quality and just want a phone that does a good job at the SMS/MMS and IM messaging basics, the Alias 2 is a good choice.